HISTORY
Rev. Frank Raney and his family in front of the 4th Street church
Timeline1880s
1883 -- 52 people signed a petition for a church. Presbytery assigned a group of pastors to lead a group for formation. July 22, new congregation assembled in Derby's Hall at Main Street and Washington. 1885 -- Original church built at Fourth/Kentucky Street 1900s 1909 -- Ladies of Philethea, an organization of women, served as ushers 1910s World War I -- Joined with local Christian and Congregational churches for united worship services twice a week 1920s Outreach and assistance to families through Ladies Aid Society Meeting place for Women's Christian Temperance Union 1940s World War II -- Church became a community prayer center, with vigils for victory and peace. A portion of tithes were sent to assist in the war effort. 1941 -- First woman Elder elected 1960s 1963 -- Old church destroyed, stained glass windows put in storage. Congregation moved to new building on B Street 1970s FPCP members among those who formed FISH, a short-term emergency organization that was the forerunner of COTS and the Petaluma Kitchen 1976 - Happy Day Preschool established 1978 Pastor Hugh Goss and members helped form Petaluma Ecumenical Projects (PEP) to create housing for seniors and people w/disabilities 1980s 1981 -- Hope Counseling established 2000s 2005 -- Project undertaken to restore stained glass windows 2008 -- 125th anniversary celebrated July 5-6 |
Clergy
Stained glassIn the mid-1980s, stained glass windows from the original Fourth Street church were rediscovered in storage -- in a chicken coop. Member Ken Nugent led a restoration project and wrote a history of the windows.
Most of the windows are now are mounted and backlit for display in our sanctuary. The transom window is located in the Fireside Room.
Below: 125 anniversary celebration
|
